Treat dry skin to moisture-rich body products!

Dry skin is not necessarily lacking in water, but rather in oil – or sebum. While sebum has a bad reputation, it plays an important role in protecting your skin: it lubricates it, boosts its elasticity and serves as a barrier that slows down the loss of water.

Causes

Dry skin is due to the under activity of the sweat glands and sebaceous glands. Many external factors can also cause temporary dryness of the epidermis:

• Cold temperatures or hot, dry climate
• Excessive sun or wind exposure
• Heating in homes during winter
• Hot baths
• Frequent use of soaps or fragrances, especially those containing alcohol
• Certain medications
• Aging
• Genetics

Complications

If you tend to have dry skin, be sure to adopt a regimen that involves moisturizing and nourishing your body well every time you bathe or shower. In fact, neglecting the issue or adopting an inadequate skin care routine can cause a series of problems, such as:

• Cracked skin, leaving it more vulnerable to bacteria, toxins and impurities
• Flakes and fine lines
• A rough appearance
• Skin discomfort and sensitivity
• Older-looking skin
• Difficulty in applying makeup

You should know that while dry skin does not cause wrinkles, it can make them more visible. Wrinkles are, in fact, due to aging, heredity and exposure to the sun.

Solutions

Here are a few ways to prevent or alleviate the problem of dry skin:

• Maintain an adequate level of humidity in your home
• Drink plenty of water
• Use sun protection
• Get enough sleep
• Manage your stress level
• Avoid hot baths and showers
• Choose soaps made with moisturizing agents such as glycerin.

People with all skin types should apply generous quantities of moisturizer on a regular basis. This helps skin rebuild its protective barrier so it can better retain moisture. For dry skin, the best creams are those containing rich and nourishing ingredients, such as:

• Glycerin
• Shea butter
• Aloe vera

Certain antioxidants (e.g. vitamins A and E) are also recognized for their hydrating properties.

If over-the-counter products do not work for you, consult a health professional. Dry skin can be related to other health problems, such as eczema or psoriasis.

Choosing a moisturizing product for dry skin: Aveeno® Restorative Skin Therapy

The Aveeno® Restorative Skin Therapy line contains aloe, oat and provitamin B5 – three ingredients that work together to soothe itchiness and to repair and hydrate dry skin.

Begin by washing your body with the Aveeno® Restorative Skin Therapy Soothing Body Wash. Its gentle but effective formula deep-cleans and soothes sensitive skin.

Next, apply the Aveeno® Restorative Skin Therapy Repairing Cream. In addition to aloe and provitamin B5, this cream contains high concentrations of prebiotic oat, which makes it highly effective at restoring skin’s natural moisture barrier while also nourishing it deeply.

Lastly, if parts of your skin are particularly itchy, use the Aveeno® Restorative Skin Therapy Balm up to four times per day. This balm is formulated with pramoxine hydrochloride, which boosts the itch-relieving effects of the line’s other active ingredients (aloe, oat and provitamin B5). Please note that the balm must not be applied to damaged or broken skin.

All the products in the Aveeno® Restorative Skin Therapy line are free of fragrance, parabens, steroids and phthalates, making the line suitable for sensitive skin.

In-store services

Need help choosing the right products for your skin type? Come and talk to our dermo-cosmetic consultants. They can guide you through the maze of skin care brands and items.